Tibetansk munk på besök i Malmö / meditationskväll

Shamatha meditation is the practice of developing a calm, clear and focussed mind. This practice is essential if we are to subdue and heal our agitated and unruly mind, to become masters of our own mind.

We will begin by describing the practice: the physical posture, the qualities to be cultivated, the tools to use and the faults to be overcome.

Then to become more familiar with shamatha meditation there will be two short guided meditations using the sensations of the breath as our object. In the first meditation we will focus on the sensations of breath throughout the body emphasising relaxation. And in the second meditation we will focus on the sensations of the breath in the area of the abdomen to help improve the stability of our attention.

Following the meditations there will an opportunity to ask questions about the practice.

This event is suitable for both beginners and those who are already familiar with shamatha meditation.

Observing the Mind

(Wed Dec 2nd 19:00 – 21:00)

This event follows on from the earlier Introduction to Shamatha Meditation evening. During that evening we focussed on the breath as the object of shamatha meditation whereas here we will be using the mind as the object of our practice.

In this technique, you direct your attention to all the events – thoughts, emotions, memories, and mental images – that arise within the mind. Developing the ability to be the observer or witness of our mind. This technique enables us to become the masters of our own mind instead of being the slaves of our mind constantly under the control of and often overwhelmed by our thoughts, emotions and memories.

Again we will begin by describing the practice before doing a short guided meditation to become more familiar with this practice.

We will then describe another similar technique that of simply resting in awareness. In this approach to shamatha meditation we’re not really doing anything at all except being present, simply being aware of being aware. Again after describing this practice we will do a short guided meditation to become more familiar with this practice.

This event is suitable for both beginners and those who are already familiar with shamatha meditation. Although it would be preferrable to have previously attended the Introduction to Shamatha Meditation evening it is not absolutely necessary especially if you already have some familiarity with shamatha meditation.